Merck Funding is supporting researchers and innovators through its Research Grants programme, designed to encourage scientific discoveries and technological advances in areas that could shape the future.
Since 2018, Merck has provided research grants to stimulate innovative projects across healthcare, life sciences, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and chemistry. The programme offers funding opportunities for scientists at different career stages working with research institutions, universities, and companies.
The 2026 Merck Research Grants programme provides grants of up to €500,000 per year for up to three years in selected research areas.
About Merck Research Grants
The Merck Research Grants programme is open to scientists from all career stages who are affiliated with:
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Companies
Applicants submit research proposals, and selected candidates may progress to a deeper evaluation stage involving full proposals and collaborative workshops with Merck scientists.
Successful grant recipients collaborate with Merck researchers during the funding period through regular scientific interactions and partnership activities.
2026 Merck Research Grant Opportunities
1. Developing New Therapies for Neuroinflammatory Diseases
Merck is supporting research focused on developing predictive in-vitro models to identify and optimise new small molecule medicines for human neuroinflammatory diseases.
The programme seeks innovative models that can:
- Replicate human neuroimmune environments
- Support advanced laboratory testing
- Enable pharmaceutical and genomic research
- Improve understanding of neurological diseases
Merck is offering one grant of up to €250,000 per year for up to two years in this research area.
2. Artificial Intelligence in Cell Culture Media and Process Development
This funding opportunity supports researchers applying artificial intelligence to improve bioprocess development.
Projects should focus on creating models that help optimise:
- Cell culture processes
- Biomanufacturing efficiency
- Production of vaccines
- Protein therapeutics
- Cell and gene therapies
Merck aims to support AI approaches that make biopharmaceutical manufacturing more sustainable and accessible.
Selected researchers can receive up to €150,000 per year for up to three years.
3. Sustainable Solutions for Contaminated Materials
Merck is inviting proposals focused on innovative methods for remediating contaminated soil and water.
Research areas include:
- Sustainable environmental technologies
- Large-scale remediation solutions
- Treatment of low-contaminated materials
- Solutions targeting chloro-organic pollutants such as hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)
The grant provides up to €150,000 per year for up to two years.
4. Advanced Cell-Free Screening Technologies
This research grant supports the development of innovative screening methods using condensate-inspired approaches to study protein-protein interactions.
The goal is to improve drug discovery by developing techniques that better replicate cellular environments and identify molecular interactions.
Researchers can receive up to €100,000 per year for up to three years.
5. Advancing Molecule Synthesis and Discovery
Merck supports researchers working on innovative chemistry projects involving:
- New molecule synthesis
- Analogue compound libraries
- Structure-activity relationship studies
Selected researchers receive access to SYNTHIA® Retrosynthesis Software, training, and opportunities to collaborate with Merck scientists.
Eligibility Requirements
Merck Research Grants are available to scientists who:
- Work at research institutions, universities, or companies
- Are conducting innovative research aligned with Merck’s focus areas
- Can submit a research proposal explaining their scientific approach
Researchers may apply for more than one grant opportunity during the application process.
Application Process
The Merck Research Grants application process includes three main stages:
Stage 1: Initial Application
Applicants submit a proposal containing non-confidential information about their research project.
Stage 2: Deep-Dive Workshop
Finalists submit detailed proposals and collaborate with Merck managers and scientists to improve their projects before final selection.
Stage 3: Research Funding
Winning researchers enter collaboration agreements with Merck and begin receiving research support.
Application Deadline
The submission deadline for the 2026 Merck Research Grants is:
31 August 2026
Why Merck Funding Opportunities Matter
Merck’s research funding supports scientists working on some of the world’s most important challenges, including:
- Drug discovery
- Artificial intelligence in healthcare
- Biotechnology innovation
- Environmental sustainability
- Advanced chemistry
Through financial support and collaboration with industry experts, researchers gain opportunities to transform scientific ideas into practical solutions.
Conclusion
Merck Funding Programs Investing in Scientific Breakthroughs provide researchers worldwide with opportunities to advance innovative projects across healthcare, technology, and sustainability.
With grants reaching hundreds of thousands of euros and access to collaboration with Merck scientists, these programmes offer valuable support for researchers developing solutions that could shape the future of science and medicine.
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